The iconic pedestrian bridge will link Tees Valley Regeneration’s flagship North Shore development in Stockton and the thriving Teesdale area.

And contractors Balfour Beatty have turned to Teesside’s long-renowned expertise in bridge building for the construction work - safeguarding scores of local jobs.

Balfour Beatty has appointed Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge to work on the fabrication and erection.

A second local company Dorman Long will also be involved in the design of the temporary works needed to make the construction possible.

It signifies the latest chapter in the Tees Valley’s historic role as a builder of great bridges, from Dorman Long’s involvement with the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Transporter and Newport bridges which are adverts for the area’s expertise.

Dubbed the “Nessie bridge” after its humpback shape reminiscent of photos of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’, the stylish new structure will be illuminated at night.

It will make a dramatic addition to the Teesside skyline and be visible from the Tees flyover. 4,000 people are expected to cross the bridge each day.

The bridge is made up of two asymmetrical flowing arches – measuring 120m and 60m. At its highest point it will be 40m above the River Tees. Stockton Council, working alongside Tees Valley Regeneration (TVR), awarded the bridge contract to Balfour Beatty, a firm with an international reputation and a base in the North-east.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of TVR, said: “This bridge will be spectacular. It is a unique design and would be challenging to construct anywhere in the world.

“The fact that it is going to be built here on our doorstep is fantastic - that the companies technically advanced enough to construct it are also here makes it amazing.

“We have a very proud tradition of bridge building and Teesside's founders would recognise the ambition and skill.”

He added: “North Shore is one of TVR’s flagship developments and it deserves to be serviced by a bridge of this stature.”

Cllr Bob Cook, Stockton Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “I am delighted that work is set to begin. Opening up the North Shore area will create a new place to live, work and study and this new bridge will be central to these plans.

“I have no doubt it will become one of our area’s outstanding landmarks which, when complete, will mark a great step forwards in the regeneration of the Tees Valley.”

Construction will take until the end of 2008. It will cost in the region of #15m and will be paid for by English Partnerships, Stockton Council, One NorthEast and money attracted to the area from the European Regional Development Fund.

Professor Chris Higgins, vice-chancellor of Durham University, said the bridge was “a crucial step forward which will help further plans for the expansion of Durham University’s Queen's Campus”.